OpenSynonym

earthly

/ˈɜːrθli/

ADJECTIVE

1. Belonging to the physical world

Relating to the planet Earth, its natural environment, or the physical existence of living things, rather than to outer space or supernatural realms.

1.1. Earth and terrestrial existence

Describes living beings, physical entities, or natural conditions that originate from or belong to the planet Earth.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The explorer admired the extraordinary beauty of the earthly landscape.
  • All earthly creatures depend on the planet's natural resources.
  • The story describes a mysterious being with origins beyond earthly existence.

Related Words

1.2. Human and bodily existence

Describes qualities, experiences, or characteristics associated with human beings, physical bodies, and mortal life.

Synonyms

  • human
  • animal
  • anthropic
  • anthropical
  • bodily
  • corporal
  • corporeal
  • fleshly
  • carnal
  • mortal

Antonyms

Examples

  • Human beings must eventually confront the limitations of their earthly bodies.
  • The philosopher explored the relationship between earthly existence and human consciousness.
  • The novel examines the struggles and desires of ordinary earthly creatures.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

2. Material and worldly rather than spiritual

Concerned with physical possessions, material interests, ordinary human affairs, or secular matters instead of spiritual, religious, or divine concerns.

2.1. Material possessions and worldly desires

Describes interests, ambitions, or concerns focused on wealth, possessions, physical pleasures, and other material aspects of human life.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He gradually abandoned his earthly possessions in pursuit of a simpler life.
  • The monk encouraged people to look beyond earthly desires.
  • She believed that earthly wealth could never replace genuine happiness.

Related Words

2.2. Ordinary life and everyday affairs

Refers to the practical concerns, experiences, responsibilities, and relationships associated with everyday human existence.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She found comfort in the simple pleasures of her earthly existence.
  • Despite his spiritual ambitions, he still had to attend to earthly responsibilities.
  • Their earthly relationships provided emotional support during difficult times.

Related Words

2.3. Secular and nonreligious matters

Describes activities, institutions, interests, or concerns belonging to ordinary secular life rather than religious worship, sacred traditions, or spiritual practice.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The discussion focused on earthly affairs rather than religious doctrine.
  • The institution distinguished its secular responsibilities from its spiritual mission.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

3. Existing or possible in the real world

Representing something that is conceivable, practical, achievable, or possible within the limitations of real-world circumstances.

3.1. Practical possibilities and real-world conditions

Used to describe possibilities, solutions, or circumstances that can realistically exist or be achieved within ordinary human experience.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The team considered every earthly possibility before abandoning the project.
  • No earthly explanation seemed sufficient to account for the mysterious event.
  • She had achieved everything that seemed earthly possible through determination and hard work.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

4. Relating to the entire world

Concerned with the Earth as a whole, including its global environment, population, geography, and interconnected human activities.

4.1. Global and worldwide matters

Describes conditions, events, or issues that affect the entire planet or involve people and environments across the world.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Climate change is one of the most pressing earthly challenges facing humanity.
  • The documentary explored the interconnected nature of earthly ecosystems.

Related Words